Dan for Relief and Development Foundation (DRD) has begun distributing productive equipment to 50 women and girls in Raqqa City who successfully completed vocational training in tailoring and dressmaking, as well as pastry and confectionery production. The activity is part of the “Women’s Economic Empowerment in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah” project, implemented in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
The assistance included the distribution of 25 modern industrial sewing machines to participants trained in tailoring and dressmaking, in addition to 25 electric dough mixers and 25 gas-powered household ovens equipped with four burners for participants trained in pastry and confectionery production.
The equipment is intended to help beneficiaries transition from vocational training to launching their own productive activities, enabling them to apply the skills they have acquired and establish sustainable sources of income.
DRD previously concluded a three-month vocational training programme targeting 50 women and girls from the most vulnerable groups, including survivors of and women and girls at risk of gender-based violence (GBV).
During the training, participants acquired practical and vocational skills in tailoring and dressmaking, as well as pastry and confectionery preparation, using approaches aligned with local market needs. This contributes to enhancing their employment and income-generating opportunities and strengthening their ability to establish small businesses.
The programme went beyond technical training, with participants also receiving specialized sessions on business development skills to strengthen their capacity to launch, manage, and sustain small businesses. The sessions covered key topics including budgeting, business planning and management, and marketing.
The programme is part of DRD’s broader efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment and equip women with practical, market-relevant vocational skills, helping them access employment or establish small businesses while strengthening their financial independence and ability to improve their livelihoods within a safe and women- and girl-responsive environment.
DRD continues to implement vocational training and livelihoods programmes that respond to the needs of the most vulnerable groups, with a focus on linking acquired skills to employment opportunities and market demands, contributing to economic recovery and more sustainable livelihoods.